Immunisation records
Australian Immunisation Register
From 30 September 2016, the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR) expanded to become the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR), a national register that records immunisations given to people of all ages in Australia.
The ACIR was initially introduced in 1996 to record all immunisations administered to children from birth to 7 years. The earliest year of birth for which data was recorded in the ACIR was 1989.
AIR Immunisation History Statements are automatically generated when an individual completes their early childhood immunisation schedule.
Immunisations can be recorded on the AIR by your immunisation provider. This includes immunisations in the National Immunisation Program (refer to the adult immunisation schedule) and those that are privately funded.
What is an AIR Immunisation History Statement?
A child's AIR Immunisation History Statement lists all immunisations given to them and states their current immunisation status for age.
AIR Immunisation History Statements are automatically generated when a child turns 18 months of age and again when they turn 5 years of age or after they have completed their 4 year old immunisation schedule, whichever comes first.
Image 1: Australian Immunisation Register Immunisation History Statement
How do I get a copy of an AIR Immunisation History Statement?
Parents and guardians of children under 14 years can request their child's AIR Immunisation History Statement.
People aged 14 years and over must request their own AIR Immunisation History Statement. An enquiry for a person over 14 years cannot be made without that person's consent.
An AIR Immunisation History Statement may be requested by:
Families who do not hold a Medicare card are advised to call the AIR on 1800 653 809 to request an Immunisation History Statement.
For translating and interpreting services, parents/guardians are advised to call 131 450.
When do I need to provide a copy of my child's AIR history statement?
When enrolling your child at child care, kindergarten primary or secondary school, you will need to provide an up-to-date copy of your child’s AIR Immunisation History Statement.
Read more about why providing your child’s immunisation history to their school is important when starting or moving child care, kindergarten or school.
What if an AIR Immunisation History Statement is incorrect?
If any of the immunisations on a statement are wrong, contact your immunisation provider and ask them to correct the details on the AIR.
If a recent immunisation is missing from the statement, it may be that the statement was sent before the details were received from your immunisation provider. If the missing immunisations were given more than a month ago, contact your immunisation provider and ask them to update the information on the AIR.
If the name or date of birth details are incorrect on the AIR, call the Medicare general enquiries line (external site) and ask to have these updated.
For further information please see the Department of Human Services website (external site).
What about year 8 school-based immunisation program vaccinations from 2009-2017?
Between 2009-2017, all vaccines administered through the school program were reported to the WA Health School Based Immunisation Program (SBIP). As the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) is now a whole of life immunisation register, the SBIP database has ceased and all school vaccines are now recorded in the AIR.
Students who received their school vaccines between 2009-2017 can contact the Central Immunisation Clinic on (08) 9321 1312 during office hours for their records.
More information
Visit the Department of Human Services (external site).
Remember
- The Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) can record immunisations given to people of all ages in Australia.
- When enrolling or re-enrolling your child in child care, kindergarten, primary or secondary school, you need to provide a current AIR Immunisation History Statement.
- Please ensure Medicare has the correct details (including address) for you and your children.
- To request an AIR Immunisation History Statement contact the Department of Human Services (external site).
Last reviewed: 01-07-2020
Acknowledgements
Public Health
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.